Masseuse can only massage seated clients

[NellesVilla]

Hi,
Need an opinion from the vipers’ nest, please! This may sound absolutely ridiculous, but…

My cousin and I have a massage once a fortnight with 2 lovely female masseuses from a small company (just the 2 of them).

Unfortunately, one masseuse has a back issue and can no longer massage clients lying down. Instead, the client that enjoys her services has to remain seated whilst having the massage, and for the same price.

Neither of us want the ‘seated massage’ as it’s just not the same thing (a relaxed experience/treat), and virtually fight to have the massage with the lady without back issues.

We both want to continue having our massages as it’s our only treat (I don’t smoke or drink and cut/colour my own hair etc), but what to do? The 2 ladies come as a package and it’d be really hard to request the more able bodied one (maybe even ablist and I don’t want to get into that!).

Both ladies are lovely and hard working, and always worried about money so it’s a toughie. But is it a slightly strange job to do if you can’t physically do it properly???

Any advice? And thanks for reading!

*ableist

following because I would 9nly accept for half price or find someone else
I don't know if that counts as discrimination as you are paying for a service, rather than not hiring a disabled person.

No that sounds ridiculous and I would use another masseuse unfortunately. Can one not do backs and one do head massage or something then switch? I just can’t imagine a back massage being very good sat up!

Absurd. I'd find another place that can give you both what you want.

I know it’s time to move on as it’s really expensive for something that’s really not that relaxing!! I’m quietly confident and assertive but have no idea how to phrase it!

Do you have appointments booked already? If not I just wouldn't make any more. You're not obliged to give them your business, especially when they're not offering what you want.

Yeah, I’d be annoyed at that. Unless there was a reasonable way round it (as suggested previously) eg. bad back lady does head and shoulder massage with you seated and then you switch, then I would definitely find a new masseuse. It’s no-one’s fault and you can’t let her lack of money be a driving factor in you staying and paying for a crap service. If she loses too many clients then maybe she’ll retrain in an area of beauty such as nails where she can sit down more.

Thanks all- plucking up courage to let them know!